End of the week

This afternoon delivered my second session of dementia training to the staff of the local charity I’m working with.

Feedback was all positive and as always the practical elements were well received.

When you put yourself in someone else’s shoes it is always a learning experience.

This group already knew a lot in practical terms but seemed to enjoy the theory, we also shared some brilliant real life stories and acted out scenarios which made everyone see things from a different perspective.

One thing I didn’t expect was how strange it felt to speak of Ken in the past tense, someone said to me afterwards ‘That can’t have been easy’.

The truth is any opportunity to bring Ken back into focus is important to me, and I am always trying to find something positive from his life. Talking about dementia when it has been so close definitely gives me a credibility that I think gives me an advantage over some trainers.

People listen.

Ken is still making a difference.

My other big accomplishment this week has been building a small patio area for my bistro set in the front garden.

I have tried to be as professional as possible, getting it level and lined up properly.

Digging out the turf was definitely the toughest part the ground is rock hard, I put down a membrane and fine gravel then positioned the slabs.

As usual I had neighbours coming over to examine my work, one in particular gave me an unexpected and compliment. He was very surprised, and very uncharacteristically told me ‘I was a chip of the old block’. Meaning my Dad.

Praise indeed.

I’m finding more from necessity, and with a lot more spare time that I’m tackling jobs I would never have considered in the past, who knows what is next but I know my limitations.

Maybe I’m just working my way through grief. At least I have something to show for it.